The Differences Between a One-Bedroom and a Studio Condo

The Differences Between a One-Bedroom and a Studio Condo

A question we get asked all the time here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts is what the difference is between a one-bedroom suite and a studio/efficiency condo on the beach. Whether you are a first time home buyer, scouting for a second home or just looking to purchase a rental property, you may have found yourself asking the same thing. And you may think that the internet is the best place to go to decipher the difference, but in reality that just may make things more confusing for you. We have a lot of people that come to us after looking at these types of listing online and end up not only having a difficult time understanding the differences but are also a lot more confused than when they started their initial search on the web. So, as you may have guessed, in today’s blog post we are going to show you and outline the differences between a one-bedroom condo and an efficiency suite to help you better understand what option will best fit your needs.

What will I find in a one-bedroom suite?

The one-bedroom suite is the first item on our list to talk to you about today. In many one-bedroom suites, you will find a space comprised of a living room with enough space for a sofa and television unit, as well as a dining area where you can put a table to comfortably sit all your family and guests. You will also have a separate area for a kitchen, and in many units, you will find a galley style kitchen, that will have a stove and microwave. It is important for us to note here that some units come with a dishwasher and some come without. If that is a non-negotiable item for your desired unit, be sure to talk to an agent here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts and let them know so they narrow down their search to meet those specific criteria. You will also find closet space in the one-bedroom units, as well as potentially another closet that can either be used for additional clothing or as storage space.

The bedrooms in these units can obviously vary in size, but can typically fit two full or queen mattresses or a king size bed. There is also a standard bathroom that can either be attached to the bedroom or be a stand alone. It is important for us to note here as well that the main difference between the one-bedroom and the efficiency suite is that the one-bedroom will have a door that separates the bedroom from the rest of the living and dining spaces, thus giving more of a ‘suite’ feel. Additionally, a benefit to a one-bedroom suite is that many times there will be space for a wall bed, which when not in use will not take up any extra room, but also allows for an additional bed if needed to accommodate additional guests.

What will I find in an efficiency suite?

While an efficiency suite shares similar qualities to a one-bedroom suite, there are subtle differences between the two that can end up making a big difference for you and what you end up wanting to purchase. And while many people tend to consider an efficiency condo to be a little too small for them, it can end up being the perfect option for someone looking for that specific layout, design, and price. When you think of an efficiency condo you may tend to think of a space the size of a hotel room or a studio apartment, instead of the more traditional one-bedroom concept where you have designated areas and doors separating certain rooms. When you walk into an efficiency suite, you will usually find one big room that contains a living area, dining area, kitchen, and bedroom, as well as a separate bathroom with its own door for privacy. These efficiency suites are ideal for people who like the openness of the space and are able to use the space effectively. Do you want to know the best part about the efficiency suites? You can buy a unit on the beach for under $100,000! And when you are that close to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, does it really matter how your unit is designed or laid out? We tend to not think so either.

What are the perks of both a one-bedroom and an efficiency suite option?

There are many perks to both a one-bedroom and an efficiency suite, it really just depends on your needs and what you are looking for in a unit. With a one-bedroom, the obvious perk is that the bedroom is separated with a door, which may not sound like a big deal, but it can be a deal breaker for some people. If you have kids and want a separate, private room from them, then a one-bedroom option may be more your speed. Or if you tend to have a lot of people over and just do not want them sitting on your bed, which is right next to the couch and kitchen, then the one-bedroom suite is probably what you are looking for. On the other hand, if you are single or do not mind having all the areas of your unit be in one space, then an efficiency suite may be perfect for you. Due to the potential for the space being smaller and holding fewer people, an efficiency suite can tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum in terms of price compared to a traditional one-bedroom.

Now let’s say that you are purchasing a one-bedroom unit or an efficiency suite in Myrtle Beach, SC as a second home or rental property. That situation definitely has the potential to change things as the unit will not be your permanent residence. This will allow you to be more flexible in what unit you choose, the space you are looking for, the layout that is available and whether or not you want the breakdown and privacy of a one-bedroom unit. Obviously, if you are renting the unit out, you may be able to get more rental income with a one-bedroom as the space, again, has the potential to accommodate and sleep more people. On the other hand, some people like the simplicity and openness of an efficiency suite and will be more likely to search those criteria.

What should I do if I am interested in buying a one-bedroom suite or an efficiency condo in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you have your eyes set on a one-bedroom suite or an efficiency condo in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! As you can see from our above post, there are subtle differences in the two options, but you want to be sure to find a unit that fits your specific needs, all while avoiding pitfalls that can prove to be costly. Allow our team to sit down with you, understand what you are looking for in a unit and show you potential options that align with your wants and needs. We have helped many individuals, couples, families, and retirees find their perfect one-bedroom suite and/or efficiency condo in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, and we are confident we can do the same for you. This is what we do, we do it every day and we are good at it. Give us a call today!